Giannina is speeding
toward success

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Giannina Cipolloni has always been one step ahead.
She’s usually one step ahead of the throw to first base after a slap-bunt.
She was one step ahead when selected as the first junior to ever be captain of Nazareth Academy High School’s softball team.
And she’s one step ahead in her college search, having already committed to the University of Virginia as a high school junior.
"I can’t wait to play in college," said Cipolloni. "I love playing softball, and I’ll play as long as I can."
With her senior year at Nazareth Academy still ahead, Cipolloni, 17, had no reservations when she committed to the University of Virginia the night before Easter.
"The campus is beautiful," she said. "I went there to visit and really got that home-away-from-home feeling. Also, Karen Johns is their softball coach. I love her coaching and she was really interested in me. So the school seemed like a perfect choice."
Johns joined the Cavaliers in June 2005, after coaching the University of Florida softball team for five years. During her time with the Gators, Johns led the softball team to four NCAA regional appearances (2001, 2003, 2004, 2005) and finished the 2005 season with a 41-23 record.
Cipolloni first hooked up with Johns through her extensive travels with the Pennsbury Gems tournament fast-pitch softball team.
"I love my travel team," said Cipolloni. "I learn a lot with that team. My travel coach, Steve Seckinger, is the one who originally taught me how to switch-hit."
Few softball players have the coordination and speed to slap-bunt successfully, but Cipolloni’s skill makes it look easy.
"I just turned around in June, so I’ve only been switch-hitting for a little while," she said. "It was pretty much so I could get on base more — it’s easier to get on base when you’re faster."
The three-year varsity player is by far the fastest athlete with the Pandas this season. Most of the time she’s playing shortstop, but Cipolloni’s speed allows her to play anywhere on the field . . . well, almost anywhere.
"I played second base when I was a freshman at Nazareth," she said. "And I play centerfield for my travel team. I could play anywhere really. I think I’m a versatile player . . . except pitcher, I cannot pitch," she said with a laugh.
Cipolloni has helped lead the Pandas to a 9-2 record this season, including a 2-0 victory against Merion Mercy on May 2.
"Giannina is a terrific all-around talent," said coach Bob Keating. "She has a lot of speed. She’s a reliable player. She can get on base and steal bases because of her speed. She’s just a very exciting player to watch."
Her younger sister Erica also is a prominent player for the Pandas and the Pennsbury Gems, giving the pair a lot of time together on the diamond.
The most convenient thing for the sisters is that they simply have to walk about 50 feet through their back yard to take part in a Nazareth Academy practice.
"We live right there," Giannina said as she pointed to her home, located behind Nazareth’s home field in Eden Hall Park. "So when we’re not playing a game, we practice hitting together every day and practice fielding every other day. We really spend a lot of time together."
Although Erica is a freshman, the varsity second baseman has made a name for herself.
"I think we are kind of a dynamic duo when we’re out on the field together," said Giannina. "We pretty much cover the whole infield. She’s a great hitter and she really picks me up when I’m not doing well."
The Pandas’ camaraderie extends beyond the Cipolloni sisters. The entire squad embraces the ideals of teamwork, both on and off the field.
"The team works very well together," said Keating. "I think we’re having a great season. A big part of the season is still left, but I think we’ll be successful and I’m looking forward to the playoffs."
And, of course, every good team must have leadership.
"Even if I wasn’t a captain this year, I was going to step up and be a leader anyway," said Giannina. "I eventually want to coach, so I figure if I start now by working on my leadership skills, then it’ll be good for college because that’s what is expected of me when I get there."
Though she’ll be returning for her senior year, she looks forward to a future at the University of Virginia.
"I can’t wait for college," she said. "I know I want to do something with sports, but I keep changing it every year. At first I was interested in studying sports medicine, then I thought maybe nutrition. All I know is I want to do something with sports. And I know I want to coach."
"Sometimes girls on the team ask me for help, and I love it," she added. "I just love playing softball and I like teaching others, so coaching seems like a perfect fit." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com